Sherburne-Earlville senior Greg DuVall has come back bigger, stronger, and probably faster in 2010. Known around Chenango County the past several years as one of the premier wrestlers, DuVall is finding more and more success each week on the gridiron, and leads the Marauders in rushing as S-E seeks its first winning record in six seasons.
DuVall had his best game as a varsity player last Friday in a 42-7 victory over Little Falls. He ran for 128 yards and two touchdowns, and his tough, hard-nosed running moved the chains drive after drive. DuVall also had a key first-down pass reception in the first half to set up a touchdown.
“Wrestling has always been his first sport, and he definitely worked hard in the weight room in the offseason,” said S-E coach Mike Jasper. “I’m definitely no wrestling aficionado, but I think Greg was frustrated with losing weight. He lifted heavy with his legs in the offseason, and he’s put on at least 15 to 20 pounds of muscle. You can see the strength when he runs, and the hard work has paid off. He’s a kid that can run between the tackles and is durable.”
DuVall is part of a crowded, talented backfield that includes last year’s Chenango County rushing leader, Will Slentz, capable tailback Chris Santiago, and quarterback Ethan Johnson is also a dangerous runner. If defenses try to defend against one of the backs, it opens opportunities for one of the others. Two weeks ago, Slentz had a big day, and last week it was DuVall’s turn, who is also taking his turn this Friday as our Smith Ford LLC, Giant’s Warehouse/Evening Sun Athlete of the Week.
DuVall saw a few carries last year out of the slot, but nothing like this year – his first season as a full-time running back. The senior hits the holes hard running north and south, and is definitely not shying away from contact. “He’s not a cutter or a dancer. He gets his pads squared and gets things done,” Jasper said. “It’s kind of a joke for us coaches. On film we’ve seen some of our own guys (blocking for Greg) get run over.”
DuVall brings excellent speed to the backfield – he is perhaps the fastest on the team – he hits the hole without any hesitation, and he has the knack for always shedding the first tackle and getting the extra yard. Rarely has he gone down on first contact, and that extra yard or two each carry adds up over a game and a season.
“It’s hard to say how good he would have been had he always played running back,” Jasper said. “He was 15 to 20 pounds smaller last year. I definitely think he would have excelled, and the extra weight this year has really helped.”
What also is helping DuVall this year is his work ethic and determination. DuVall is not used to losing as a wrestler, and he takes that mentality to the football field. “He’s a driven individual and driven to work for success,” Jasper said of DuVall. “I’ve watched him in the wrestling room when we’ve done our winter lifting program, and he pushes the other kids. He brings that to the football team. He knows it takes a lot of work to be successful, and he’s one of the guys pushing the other kids to push themselves. That’s really been the case with all of our seniors.”